Dining table placement / move light?

last year

last modified: last year

We moved into a “new to us” home and are finally getting around to updating the formal dining room. The room is 178” long (back wall) by 130” wide (window wall). We are having a hard time figuring out dining room table size and/or placement. Current table is 60x30. The black paper overhanging the edges show either a 72” table (first pic) or 84” table (second pic). Rug is 10x8.

The light fixture will be replaced and is currently in the center of the ceiling. Would it look odd to move it a few inches to allow for a buffet behind the table? That wall is a dead end so the only way someone could tell it was off center would be from the kitchen.

We know it will be tight on the back wall if there is a buffet, but likely willing to live with it.

Also to note, the light fixture is not perfectly in line with the front window. The window is 'off' by about 3" (lazy 1990s builders).

Questions to the group:
1) Which table size fits best?

2) Would you move light fixture over a few inches to allow for a buffet behind the table?

Featured Answer

PRO

Sabrina Alfin Interiors

last year

last modified: last year

I'd leave the light fixture where it is. Where you currently have the console is where the buffet should go. With a wall that long, I'd suggest at least a 7'-8' buffet and then you can put an extra side chair on either side of the buffet. Put some artwork or a gallery wall above it. I'd think about getting a longer dining table, too. The current one is a bit dwarfed by the scale of the room.

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Comments (25)

BrianY
Original Author
last year
Thanks Sabrina! Current table is going bye bye. It’s too small. The first image shows the size of a 72” table. The second a 84” table. Obviously I used the most expensive 3d cad out there, ha. It’s just construction paper over hanging the edges
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Jeanne Cardwell
last year
I would center the light on the window if that will give you enough space for a narrow buffet.
BrianY
Original Author
last year
It would certainly help! Would give us about 3” more space. It’s already tight-ish on that side. Current buffet is 19.5” wide. Looking for something that’s 17-18”.
PRO
RL Relocation LLC
last year
Dont put a buffet behind the table, put it opposite the window. There would be no way to make it work on that inside wall. I wouldnt move the light, just to accommodate something that can go else where. Instead put a huge piece of art on that back wall.
BrianY
Original Author
last year
Thanks! We had it on the wall opposite the window before moving it. The space between the host chair and the wall is the same as the space between the back of the side chair and the back wall. It’s about 42-45”. I’ll get exact measurements tonight. This is why we were considering moving the light a few inches away from the wall. The room feels bigger with the buffet on the back wall
mcarroll16
last year
last modified: last year
Agree with RL Relocation. The buffet on the long wall looks wimpy. It makes the room larger in a bad way--an open and drafty feel. RL Relocation's mockup frames the dining area in a way that is cozy and intentional. Add a little more expansiveness by getting a longer rug, or removing the rug altogether. Do you see how the back chair legs will be on the wood floor when you push the chairs back? That's giving a short, cramped feel to the space.
PRO
RL Relocation LLC
last year
Yes, that rug is the wrong shape, the room may not need a buffet. perhaps a slender console table instead, but not on the back wall. Perhaps you dont need a new table. Or maybe round would be better for the space.
BrianY
Original Author
last year
Thanks! The rug is also going. What shape do you suggest? It’s an 8x10. A 8x11 would work better just hard to find. Wife wants a buffet, IF we can make it work.

Thoughts on table size (first two images using the fancy can work with construction paper)? 72 vs 84?
BrianY
Original Author
last year
Also, what about hutches in each corner and art in the middle?
mcarroll16
last year
last modified: last year
Go with 72", with an extra leaf or two for larger gatherings. At 72" you can put an 18" deep buffet opposite the window, center the table in the room--keeping it centered under the light--and still have 35" between the buffet and the chair at the end. At 84", you will have to have the table off-center from the light to get good clearance for the chairs at both ends.

For a rug size, you need the rug to extend 24" to 30" beyond the table on each side.
PRO
RL Relocation LLC
last year
I think moving the light is the wrong choice, but if that is what is going to make this work for your check lists than do it. Just know when you approach the space via the kitchen, everything is going to be off center to the windows, that a whole new balance issue. Because moving it inches will not allow someone to pull the chair out still, you need to move it at lease a foot to gain any real space.
PRO
RL Relocation LLC
last year
put the chair to the side of the table with the buffet and pull it out as if you where going to get out of your seat.
everdebz
last year
last modified: last year
One more - a tiny bit of blue and fuchsia - !?

Safavieh Monaco Collection MNC215 Rug, Grey/Multi, 8' X 11' · More Info

Kaleen Renaissance Area Rug, 8'x11' · More Info
everdebz
last year
last modified: last year
I posted on wrong thread, but I saw your beautiful chandelier, with angles too, and wow...

sometimes the unexpected brights are exciting.
Safavieh Monaco Collection MNC213 Rug, Pink/Multi, 8' X 11' · More Info

Safavieh Monaco Collection MNC217 Rug, Grey/Multi, 8' X 11' · More Info

Ahgly Company Indoor Rectangle Mid-Century Modern Area Rugs, 8' x 12' · More Info
everdebz
last year
With muted/ dark rug, maybe your art is lively-modern abstract-
Layla Brick/Blue Rug, 9'x12' · More Info
everdebz
last year
A bit elegant, might go well with warm walls, cause has muted olive.. but charcoal too.

https://www.jcpenney.com/p/loloi-layla-indoor-rectangular-accent-rug/ppr5008027835
tracefloyd
last year
You can always get a longer chain and swag it with a hook wherever you want.
BrianY
Original Author
last year
We don’t like the swag look
HU-402831377
last year
last modified: last year
Have you thought about just adding can lights and doing away with the hanging light? We had a similar problem in our last house, and it worked great for us.
PRO
RL Relocation LLC
last year
You can sure. Did you last house have a tall vaulted ceiling though? might be a bit bare, but then again, maybe once the art is up it will be fine. Maybe, get the new table, new rug and hang the art, then decide. that way you will have a pretty complete picture.
BrianY
Original Author
last year
@Sabrina Alfin Interiors Would you prefer a 72" table or an 84" table here? Our hesitation with an 84" table is finding a rug to fit. We could use what we have (8x10) but it's not ideal; the host chairs would be very close to the edge. An 8x11 rug would be better, but they are hard to find. I don't think we want to rug too close to the entry way of the kitchen.
PRO
RL Relocation LLC
last year
I think a 6 foot table is fine, if yo go too large the host chairs will end up being close to the wall too.
Cheryl Smith
last year
it would drive me crazy not having everthing centered. first center the rug under the light and with the windows.. it is NOT centered with either in your first picture. then center the table on the rug. i would prefer the buffet across from the window but would suggest you place it whichever wall leaves you the most room to walk around it. I assume this is not where you eat your everyday meals. how many people regularly sit here? unless you want a new table I think the one you have is fine in the space.
PRO
RL Relocation LLC
last year
@Cheryl Smith The light fixture itself is not centered to the windows. The rug is being replaced. They do want a new table. ( you came in a little hot lol)